Support the rearingof the samba wasp ganaspis brasiliensis at pabil for release in NJ andthe surrounding region to reduce SWD.

This cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides $130,000 to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to support rearing of the Samba wasp (Ganaspis brasiliensis) for release in New Jersey and surrounding regions from July 2022 to June 2023. The goals are to develop mass rearing strategies for G. brasiliensis and the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in collaboration with experts, and release G. brasiliensis on select New Jersey locations to reduce D. suzukii populations. Deliverables include establishing G. brasiliensis colonies, making D. suzukii available to other states experiencing infestations, and tracking distribution. This award falls under the USDA's Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), which aims to protect U.S. agriculture from economically damaging pests and diseases.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to support the rearingof the samba wasp ganaspis brasiliensis at pabil for release in NJ andthe surrounding region to reduce SWD.

Activities

G. Brasiliensis and drosophila suzukii fromlocal colonies, maintain a colony of G. Brasiliensis and D. Suzukii, develop mass rearing strategies in collaboration with SWD working group, develop release strategies in collaboration with rutgers university, deliverables and expected outcomes: develop and carry out G.brasiliensis on select locations in NJ, make D. Suzukii available to collaborators in states where SWD is present, maintain record of distribution each season.intended beneficiary(IES): fruit crop growers located where this pest isfound. The current know distribution is the pacific northwest and mostof the eastern half of the U.S including the mid-atlantic region.subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a